Pork Powerhouse Christensen Farms and Feedlots, Inc., took a step toward solidifying its role among the nation's hog giants this week with the acquisition of Exetare Parternship, LLP, a Minnesota-based pork company.

Exetare, a privately-held farrow-to-finish operation in western Minnesota, works with around 30 contract farmers in the region who manage around 15,000 sows.

It's a move that Christensen leaders say helps solidify the Sleepy Eye, Minnesota-based company's footing in its critical geography. The company operates farms in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, and Illinois.

"The acquisition of the Exetare business fits extremely well with our strategic growth objectives. It is a natural extension of our business model and our geographic presence," says Christensen CEO Glenn Stolt in a company report.

"Exetare is a well-managed, successful, and profitable company. We welcome the opportunity to work with the management team, employees, and contract producers of the Exetare system. They have clearly supported the historical success of the company, and we welcome them to the Christensen Farms team."

Exetare employs around 50 people in western Minnesota. The company's acquisition by Christensen was finalized on Thursday, January 30.